EurekAlert! News by Subject: Tech & Engineering - News by Subject: Tech & Engineering

Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 11-May-2025 07:09 ET (11-May-2025 11:09 GMT/UTC)

Revolutionizing surface science: Visualization of local dielectric properties of surfaces

The University of Electro-Communications
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In an impressive breakthrough in surface science, a novel method has been developed to simulate and visualize the local dipole moments on the semiconductor surface using scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM) paired with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study, led by researchers Akira Sumiyoshi, Kohei Yamasue, Yasuo Cho, and Jun Nakamura, not only enhances the understanding of surface dielectric properties but also holds promising implications for future semiconductor device engineering and material science applications.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: JST, JSPS KAKENHI

New composite structure boosts polypropylene’s low-temperature toughness

Higher Education Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research team from Taiyuan University of Technology and Zhejiang University has made headway in enhancing polypropylene (PP)’s performance. Their study, published in Engineering, reveals that blending PP with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene–polyethylene–polypropylene–polystyrene (SEPS) to form a SEPS@HDPE core–shell structure can adjust PP’s brittle–ductile transition temperature and improve its low-temperature toughness, with potential applications across various industries.

Journal: Engineering

Uncovering dementia’s environmental triggers

University of Georgia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health focuses on the powerful role our surroundings play in shaping dementia risk.

Journal: Ageing Research Reviews

Assessing the values and dependence of society on pollinators: Introducing the new VALOR project

Pensoft Publishers
Business Announcement

The new Horizon Europe project VALOR aims to empower actors to better understand their relationship with pollinators.

Funder: Horizon Europe

Airlines with more women at the top are more efficient

Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The average proportion of women in the sector is 18% on boards of directors and 15% in executive teams

Journal: Journal of Air Transport Management

Silk-inspired in situ web spinning for situated robots

Estonian Research Council
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at the Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, present a robotics concept in which temporary robot embodiments and movement pathways are spun in situ from a polymer solution. They demonstrate an ad hoc gripper for delicate handling and a bridge for crossing debris fields and natural terrain.

Journal: npj Robotics
Funder: Estonian Research Council

How the brain turns sound into conversation: A new study uncovers the neural pathways of communication

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study has uncovered how the brain seamlessly transforms sounds, speech patterns, and words into the flow of everyday conversations. Using advanced technology to analyze over 100 hours of brain activity during real-life discussions, researchers revealed the intricate pathways that allow us to effortlessly speak and understand. These insights not only deepen our understanding of human connection but also pave the way for transformative advancements in speech technology and communication tools.

Journal: Nature Human Behaviour